Savayna didn’t like this. It was way too quiet. There wasn’t even so much as a single guard; not even a grunt guarding the entrance. To say the least, she found it odd. A group like The Brotherhood was among the most secretive ones in all of Ivalice. They prided themselves in keeping to the shadows. Only was when they needed to act did they come out of hiding and do what must be done. So, to Savayna, it weirded her out when one of their strongholds was practically a ghost town.

“[color=lightblue]How long ago did you say it was they brought you here? I only ask because I know the Brotherhood. They don’t leave their strongholds unmanned. I fI had to wager, I would say they are expecting us and have laid out traps. Either that or they’re gone from Rabanastre. Though, the latter is highly unlikely.[/color]”

[hr]
“[color=mediumpurple]You both have a lot of nerve. I allow you into my city. I allow you to take sanctuary in my castle. I even have allowed that Rozarrian--my future sister by marriage--to go wherever she pleased. But, you continue to try my patience. Bringing this…[i]abomination[/i] into my home and allow him to breathe the same air that my brother does as he’s trying to fight for his life is unforgivable.[/color]” Cassandra stated angrily, gripping her right fist into a ball, which caused the vines to glow brightly as the grip would intensify twice what it was before.  

She turned her vengeful eyes onto Emiri. “[color=mediumpurple]I will not stand for this! My country will not suffer the same fate that my father did at the hand of [i]your[/i] beloved’s cousin. Until he is brought in to pay for his crimes, that treaty that is happening right now will [b][u]not[/u][/b] happen. I will not align myself with any Rozarrians nor Archadians. If this means war, then so be it.[/color]” 

And that was that. Cassandra’s word was final. They would come around to her way of thinking, lest Prince Grant want to see the Time Scion suffer a painful end.

[hr]
Jaakuna loved his brother, but he could never understood how Roman could actually find joy in partaking in these political squabbles. He’s only been at this for an hour and already Jaakuna was ready to take his fifth break. Much to the annoyance of both Isabelle and Reia, however, he knew that wouldn’t be wise. This process was taking long enough as is, he didn’t need to add yet another five-minute break to it. Though, Jaakuna was definitely regretting actually doing this. Not for the end result, but all of the work and how much time has been wasted because of this darn treaty.

The three sat in a proper room at a circular table with four chair sitting around it. Jaakuna sat next to Reia who sat next to Isabelle. Next to Isabelle was the Grand Maester, who had was drafting all of the conditions of the treaty. Though, as he looked at them, he let out a rather noticeable sigh. “I do apologize, Empress, Emperor Proxy, and Queen Mother, the treaty is a lot more complicated than I had originally anticipated. All of these conditions are very...strange. I’m not sure I even understand it.”

“[color=orchid]What is there to not understand?[/color]” Isabelle inquired.

“Well, firstly, you want there to be a ceasefire between all three nations.”  Maester Nicholas stated, “secondly--and if I’m reading this correctly--you also want to apply that to any further expansion into each respective nations’ territory.” Nicholas seemed to be bothered by this. As a Dalmascan, he was stern in his beliefs. Though, as a maester, he had no choice but to comply with his majesty’s requests. “Though, this last one seems to be the most absurd thing I’ve heard in my years in service of the Alexander family.” Nicholas looked over the conditions on one sheet of parchment and read it carefully. “You want all three armies to put together a joint task force with...Lorenzo leading them? Tell me this isn’t right?” Nicholas couldn’t help but look at Lorenzo over to the side as he seemed to be pouting at how long this process was taking. “That’s hardly leadership material.” He commented to the three.

“[color=ed1c24]Watch how you talk about my new best friend.[/color]” Jaakuna suddenly snapped at the maester, threatening him to mind his tongue about Lorenzo.

“My apologies, Emperor Proxy,” Nicholas apologized to Jaakuna.  He would then go back to the topic at hand. “Your Grace, surely this isn’t what you are intending for the treaty? None of our noble houses--especially the ones who are loyal to your late husband’s house--will let this slide. Despite what strides you made in securing relationships with Rozarria and Archadia, there’s a lot of people who still seek justice for Jonathan’s murder.”

“[color=orchid]I understand, but please try to understand that this is for the greater good. Zodiark pushes further and it won’t be long until he comes for all of us.[/color]” Isabelle told the maester, urging him to see to their way of thinking.

“With respect, your majesty, but I can’t in good conscious draft this treaty. In fact, not only won’t I draft it, but I will not allow this to stand!” Nicholas stood firm in his beliefs, even if it meant disobeying Isabelle.

And just as the latter was going to say something, Jaakuna beat her to the punch. Literally. His fist went flying and sent the maester flying to the wall, knocking him out. Isabelle yelped lightly.

Jaakuna looked around at their faces. It was a mix of subtle gratitude and complete shock and awe. “[color=orchid]Was that really necessary?[/color]”

“[color=ed1c24]In times of our impending doom, drastic measures are required.[/color]” Jaakuna stated, justifying his actions.